Improvement in velocipedes



H. A. MALTBY.

I velocipede; No. 110,057. Patented 'Dec. 13. 1870.

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HENRY A.

M'ALTBY, or nnowNsvILLurn'XAs.

Letters Patent No. 110,057, dated December 13, 1870.

IMPROVEMENT IN VELO CIPEDES.

The Schedule referred to in these Letters Patent and making part of the same.-

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, HExnY A. MALTBY, of Browns-- ville, in the county of Cameron and State of Texas, have invented a new and improved Velocipede; and I do hereby declare that the following is a full, clear, and exact description thereof, which will enable others skilled in the art to make and use the same, reier ence being had to the accompanying drawing forming part of this specification.

This invention relates to improvements in velocipedes, and consistsin a novel combination of foot and hand-propelling apparatus; also guiding apparatus, whereby .the operator may apply both foot and-hand simultaneously, and, at the same time, guide the machine by movements of the body actuating the guiding apparatus through the medium of the seat.

The arrangement for-applying the foot-power is such that power due to the weight of the body may be aided by the muscular force thereof; and, the arrangement of the hand-power in connection therewithis such that the combined action of the feet and hands is so nearly like the natural motion of walking that a suflicieut power is applied to maintain a very considerable speed without greater exertion, or at most but little more than that of walking.

Figure 1 is a rear elevation of my improved machine, and p Figure 2 is a sectional elevation of the same.

Similar letters of reference indicate corresponding parts.

A A are the two main p. 'ropelling-wheels, mounted on the axle B, which, in this case, has four cranks, G G and D D..

The cranks O 0 range in opposite directions, and each crank D ranges opposite to a crank, O, with which it is connected, and in connection with which it is to work.

E is the caster or guiding-wheel, ranging behind the main wheels A.

The name is composed of the bent rod or bar F and the bent plate G, the former being provided, at the ends H, with bearings for the axle, and arranged to rest on the latter just inside the wheels A, from which the rod rises vertically a suitable distance .and then assumes a horizontal line across the machine; but from this'liue it is diverted at I, and bends rearward,

' to make room for the person of the operator.

K is the spindle of the crotch L, in which the guiding-wheel is mounted.

'This spindle rises up through the plate G, at M, and passes through another support, N, attached to the rod F in the rearmost part.

This spindle supports the seat U at the top, as shown.

1 represents foot-pieces or stirrups, mounted on the cranks G; and

Q, hand-levers, journaled on the rod F,-at R, in

the lower parts of which are long slots, S, through which the cranks 1) pass.

The operator, first mounting upon the seat, using one of the stirrups', standing in the lowermost position of the cranks, as a step, taking hold of the upper ends of'the hand-levers, and placing his feet properlyon the stirrups, will rise from the seat, so as to apply his weight to the stirrups for treading the cranks, which he does in the ordinary way, to impart rotary motion to the'wheels A, which are keyed fast to the axle;

The force of the foot-power is mainly applied at the'time the stirrups are moving from about or alittle above the horizontal plane of the axle to the lowest part of their orbits, the changing of the weight from one stirrup to the other taking place previous to this application-that is, at the time the upperstirrup is moving from the highest part of its orbit to or nearly to the horizontal plane of the axle, and the lower one is rising from the lowest position to the said plane.

As the foot-cranks, at the time of the application of the power, are in-the" most forward position, and the leg applying the power, therefore, correspondingly extended forward,- and the 1e,ver-cranks.which are arranged opposite to the foot-cranks are projecting the other way-that is to say, rearwardthe upper ends of the hand-levers project forward, and thereby afford the most favorable means of adding the counteracting muscular force of the hands and-feet to the action of the weight of the body on the treadlcs, as, at the time the foot-treadle is receiving the weight of the body and going down, as above described, the corresponding lever-crank is rising from the horizontal line of the axis upward, and is forced along bypulling backward on the lever, and this pulling action must be sustained by the foot on the treadle under action,

thereby increasing the effect on it. While'this action is taking place, the body of the operator is inclined to the rearward, to facilitate the pulling action on the levers, andthe steering or guiding is effected by the body thrown back against the seat or partially upon it, and swayed to either side, as may be required.

If the turn be abrupt, the weight of the body may be so disposed upon the seat as to relieve the wheels A in turning, (me of which must slip, being keyed fast to the axle. It is, therefore,- manifest that the power applied is in excess of that due to the weight of the operator in the measure of the muscular force exerted.

It will be observed that the motions of the body in this operation are very nearly the same as the natural motion of walking or running, both in respect of the feet and legs, arms and hands, as well as the other parts of the body, which motions, being most natural and easy, are the least fatiguing, besides being most healthful and invigorating. 1

It is obvious that, by this arrangement, a greater amount of power may be applied with less efi'ort than by any other, and, therefore, the best results may be produced by it.

The weight of the body alone will propel the machine at a rapid rate on smooth, level roads, and will only be used for ordinary speeds; but, in ascending inclines, the hand-power will also be used.

The arrangement of the frame may be changed to suit the taste or fancy.

Having thus described my invention,

I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent- 1. The four cranks G O and D I) on axle, combined wit-l1 foot-stirrups l P and slotted levers Q Q, arranged to operate as and for the purpose described.

2. The combination of the caster-wheel spindle, provided with the seat, and arranged relatively thereto, to receive the body of the operator, and be turned thereby for steering, substantially in the manner described.

The above specification of my invention signeu by me this 8th day of July, 1870.

' HENRY A. MALTB-Y.

Witnesses:

GEO, W. MABEE, ALEX. F. ROBERTS. 

